The Smartphone Support Cliff of 2026: What You Need to Know
Do you still use an older Samsung, Pixel, or iPhone? 2026 could be the year your device stops receiving updates altogether. While smartphones last longer than ever, that doesn’t mean they remain secure indefinitely. A significant number of smartphones from Samsung, Pixel, and iPhone will lose official support in 2026, impacting millions of users.
You might have a perfectly functional Samsung tucked away, rely on an older Pixel daily, or stick with a trusted iPhone. As long as everything runs smoothly, replacing it feels unnecessary. However, without security updates, a reliable device slowly transforms into a digital risk.
Why is 2026 a Critical Year?
The complete of support means these phones will no longer receive critical security patches, leaving them vulnerable to evolving cyber threats. Models released in 2021 and 2022 are particularly affected. The reasons for this shift are complex, including rising component costs and manufacturers balancing upgrades with affordability.
Samsung Phones Facing the Update Axe
Samsung, with its wide range of models, is significantly impacted. Several devices will reach their end-of-life in 2026. The Samsung Galaxy A03, Galaxy A22, Galaxy A52, Galaxy F22, Galaxy F42, Galaxy M32, and Galaxy M42 will no longer receive updates after reaching the end of their support cycle with Android 13 and One UI 5 or 5.1. The Galaxy A52 was an exception, receiving an update to Android 14 and One UI 6.1.
The Samsung Galaxy A13, released in 2022, is also nearing the end of its support, currently receiving quarterly updates with Android 14 and One UI 6.1, but is expected to cease receiving updates sometime in 2026.
iPhone Models Reaching ‘Vintage’ Status
Apple categorizes devices as supported, vintage, or obsolete. The iPhone SE (2016) reached the end of its software update lifecycle at the end of 2025. After five years of support, Apple designates devices as “vintage,” limiting repair options and providing security updates only for critical vulnerabilities. After seven years, a device is considered “obsolete,” with all support terminated.
Several other iPhone models have already been classified as vintage, including the iPhone 7 Plus, iPhone 8, iPhone XS, iPhone 11 Pro Max, and iPhone 11 Pro. Limited future updates are expected for these devices.
Pixel Phones Affected by the Update Cutoff
The Google Pixel 6 and 6 Pro, launched in 2021, will stop receiving security updates in October 2026, as they fall outside Google’s later commitment of seven years of updates. The Google Pixel 6a, released in July 2022, is expected to receive updates through mid-2027, but its end-of-life is also approaching.
Other Brands Facing Support Endings
OnePlus devices like the OnePlus 9 and OnePlus 9 Pro will also lose support in 2026. LG phones are particularly vulnerable, as the company exited the smartphone market in 2021 and ended all support in 2025. Several Motorola models from 2022, 2023, and 2024 will also lose support in 2025 or 2026.
Is it Time to Upgrade?
Using a smartphone without security updates is risky, especially for banking, passwords, and sensitive documents. Hackers target devices without active support. Without patches, known vulnerabilities remain open. While a working phone might seem fine, the security risk is significant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happens when my phone is no longer supported? Your phone will no longer receive security or feature updates, making it more vulnerable to threats.
- Does this mean my phone will stop working? No, your phone will likely still function, but it will be less secure.
- How can I check if my phone is affected? Check the manufacturer’s website or support pages for your specific model.
- What should I do if my phone is losing support? Consider upgrading to a newer model or exploring alternative security measures.
Pro Tip: Regularly back up your data to a secure location, regardless of your phone’s support status.
Explore our other articles on affordable smartphones to find the best options for your needs.
